Suzuki was established in 1909 by Michio Suzuki in Hamamatsu, Japan as Suzuki Loom Works. Initially building weaving looms for the silk industry, Suzuki invented a new type of weaving machine, that was exported, filed 120 patents and utility model rights. Despite its success Suzuki felt the need to diversify his company and so after doing research on current consumer's demand, he decided to focus on building a small car.